The District is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. To create and maintain this kind of an environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school property and at school functions. For purposes of this section of the code, “public” shall mean all persons when on school property or attending a school function including students, teachers and District personnel.
The restrictions on public conduct on school property and at school functions contained in this code are not intended to limit freedom of speech or peaceful assembly. The District recognizes that free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives of the District. The purpose of this code is to maintain public order and prevent abuse of the rights of others.
All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. In addition, all persons on school property or attending a school function are expected to be properly attired for the purpose they are on school property.
All extra-curricular school functions, including dances, banquets, proms, etc. are designated for grade/age appropriate students only. High School functions are to be attended exclusively by students in grade 9 and above, but not exceeding 20 years of age. Middle and elementary extra-curricular school functions are likewise exclusively for middle and elementary school students. Where applicable, guests from other school districts who meet the criteria above may be permitted to attend extra-curricular functions with principal approval.
- Prohibited Conduct
No person, either alone or with others, shall:- Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.
- Intentionally damage or destroy school District property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other District employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
- Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities.
- Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program.
- Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
- Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
- Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to that this code applies.
- Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles;
- Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
- Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school District.
- Loiter on or about school property.
- Gamble on school property or at school functions.
- Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school District officials performing their duties.
- Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.
- Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or Board policy while on school property or while at a school function.
- Penalties
Persons who violate this code shall be subject to the following penalties:
- Visitors. Their authorization, if any, to remain on school grounds or at the school function shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to removal and possible prosecution for criminal trespass.
- Students. They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with the due process requirements.
- Faculty members. They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Education Law §3020-a, §3031 or any other legal rights that they may have.
- Staff members in the classified service of the civil service entitled to the protection of Civil Service Law §75. They shall be subject to immediate ejection and to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Civil Service Law §75 or any other legal rights that they may have.
- Staff members other than those described in subdivisions 4 and 5. They shall be subject to warning, reprimand, suspension or dismissal as the facts may warrant in accordance with any legal rights they may have.
- Enforcement
The building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for enforcing the conduct required by this code.
When the building principal or his or her designee sees an individual engaged in prohibited conduct, that in his or her judgment does not pose any immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the principal or his or her designee shall tell the individual that the conduct is prohibited and attempt to persuade the individual to stop. The principal or his or her designee shall also warn the individual of the consequences for failing to stop. If the person refuses to stop engaging in the prohibited conduct, or if the person’s conduct poses an immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the principal or his or her designee shall have the individual removed immediately from school property or the school function. If necessary, local law enforcement authorities will be contacted to assist in removing the person.
The District shall initiate disciplinary action against any student or staff member, as appropriate, with the “Penalties” section above. In addition, the District reserves its right to pursue a civil or criminal legal action against any person violating the code.